Living Fully

Natural Freedom

Whether we realize it or not, our deepest aspiration is to experience the richness and fullness of our being in every moment. Each of us has the capacity to live fully, but how do we recognize our potential? We usually think that the surest way to fulfillment is to satisfy our desires for the objects that bring us pleasure. However, when we grasp for pleasure in hopes of finding happiness, it will elude us. For instance, an ice cream sundae, a thrilling movie, or a glass of fine chardonnay can distort our natural quality. We may devour an entire chocolate bar when we feel lonely and unappreciated. Although we savor the taste of the chocolate and momentarily feel euphoric, the lonely, empty feeling soon returns. We do not experience the pure fulfillment inherent in every moment, and therefore, we tend to use sense pleasures as a temporary salve.

In the United States, we are proud of our freedoms and we frequently congratulate ourselves on the great liberties we enjoy. But it seems that we often do not make the best use of the leisure and opportunity that our freedom affords us. We tend to believe that free choice gives us the license to indulge. This may provide fleeting satisfaction. However, incessant pleasure-seeking is not the true way to enjoy our freedom.

When we know how to surrender, we can truly appreciate our freedom. The ability to surrender comes from a disciplined approach to life. In this case, surrender is not submitting to a higher authority, like an army recruit saluting a drill sergeant. Rather, we surrender when we give up trying to satisfy all of our hopes and expectations. If we can abandon our efforts to fabricate a "perfect" world, we will experience genuine freedom that is not corrupted by endless craving for something better. The more conviction we gain in our inner potential, the more willing we are to surrender in this natural way. We may begin to find pure pleasure in the most unexpected places.

Self-discipline provides us the space in which to surrender. It brings confidence in our inherent wealth. It is not about making stringent demands on oneself. Fasting and praying all day in a dark cave are not always necessary. Real discipline is not punishment; it is a peaceful path to insight and understanding. Lacking this kind of mental training, our habitual thinking gains the upper hand and imprisons us in our ordinary ways. Essentially, all of the myriad methods of spiritual practice are nothing but tools that help us leap beyond ourselves. With training, we can develop these skills. When we practice mindfulness and sharpen our awareness, we will not become trapped in mind-numbing routines and narrow views. We will open up vast reservoirs of fresh, self-renewing energy. Then we can live fully in the vitality of every breath.

Protecting and defending our self-image drains us of this sacred energy. Striving to define and validate our identity precipitates anxiety and stress. When we know who we are, we will be content. In the movement of each breath, we will enjoy natural freedom. Our disciplined way of life will become relaxed and effortless, and we will appreciate how simple it is to experience inner peace and lasting happiness.

Living Nakedly

Our most pressing challenge is to live fully. Our lives will not be truly satisfying if we cannot live each moment deliberately and grasp the essence of our precious human nature. Temporarily we may enjoy good health and material comforts, but our lives are rushing by, like sand running through an hourglass. What's more, there is no guarantee that we will awaken from our sleep tomorrow morning!

With this in mind, I sincerely advise you to breathe fully right now! Live mindfully, as if there were no tomorrow. Even if others think that seizing each moment makes you a little crazy, it's all right to be crazy once in a while, as long as you are crazy in a good way. There is no reason to always follow the norm. After all, what is the norm? Who creates the norm? When you clearly understand the preciousness and impermanence of life, you will live in a way that is most beneficial and meaningful to you. You will not depend on others for validation.

You may have friends and family who love you. But remember that you came into this life naked and alone, and you will leave naked and alone. So why not live nakedly? Why not live without any cover, without any pretense? Living nakedly means living each moment in your original, fresh form. When you are familiar with your unconditional self and not limited by relative circumstances, you will see everything as perfect.

Life is not a rehearsal. Don't compromise when it comes to living in the present. Don't compromise with your past or future, with right or wrong, with good or bad. With a self-centered perspective, our minds are agitated by the extremes of hope and fear. We hope that things will work out for our benefit or we fear that they will not. Living fully means living without compromise. Do not allow your thoughts, feelings, or emotions to corrupt you. Attempt to honestly confront all your neuroses and negativity. If it helps, retreat to a secluded place where you can practice the teachings of the enlightened ones and investigate the workings of your mind.

Those who follow the Buddhist tradition are referred to as practitioners because they do not simply accept the Buddha's teachings without question, but instead apply the teachings and test their veracity, like a goldsmith examining gold to ensure that it is genuine. A Buddhist practices by training his or her mind, much like an athlete trains the body to compete in a marathon. Consistent training will gradually free you from unwholesome thoughts and negative emotions. The quintessential practice is to skillfully liberate your confusion on the spot, no matter where you are or what you are doing. This is the best way to live and the true way to practice.

The True Purpose of Being

The spiritual journey enables us to discover our innate intelligence — the essence of our being. When we behold this inner radiance, suffering and darkness will vanish from our lives. In this very moment, we have the opportunity to dispel our ignorance and enjoy a truly wholesome way of living. When our obscurations are purified, confusion will disappear. If being in this human form has any purpose, it is to make good use of our lives so that we never get...